Warren's chat with Blair focuses on faith, 9/11, Middle East

March 6, 2011

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, does a fist bump during a moment of agreement with Pastor Rick Warren during the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, is introduced by Dr. Rick Warren at the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Sunday. Blair served as Prime Minister in the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007 and is the founder of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. Warren is pastor at Saddleback Church. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks during the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California on March 6, 2011. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Dr. Rick Warren introduces former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, has a laugh with Dr. Rick Warren during the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks during the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, has a laugh with Dr. Rick Warren during the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair laughs while talking with Pastor Rick Warren during the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, has a laugh with Dr. Rick Warren Sunday. Blair served as Prime Minister in the United Kingdom from May, 1997 to June 2007 and is the founder of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Audience members at Saddleback Church listen to Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Dr. Rick Warren talk Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Dr. Rick Warren watches a video with the audience of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair before introducing Blair at Saddleback Church Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, receives the International Medal of PEACE from Pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback Church Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair listens as Pastor Rick Warren awards him the International Medal of PEACE at Saddleback Church Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, center, is presented the International Medal of PEACE and a copy of the book "To Every Nation" by Pastor Rick and Kay Warren at Saddleback Church Sunday. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Dr. Rick Warren speaks during the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Audience members at Saddleback Church give former British Prime Minister Tony Blair a standing ovation after Dr. Rick Warren thanked him for Britain's support following the terrorist attacks of 9-11-2001. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair leaves the stage after being presented the International Medal of PEACE and a copy of the book "To Every Nation" by Pastor Rick and Kay Warren. PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, left, does a fist bump during a moment of agreement with Pastor Rick Warren during the "Civil Forum on Peace In a Globalized Economy" at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest Sunday.PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

LAKE FOREST – Thousands turned out at Saddleback Church Sunday night to hear former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's take on leadership, world peace and the role of faith in unifying the world.

Blair, who in 1997 became Britain's youngest prime minister in 200 years and in 2007 was appointed Middle East envoy by the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia, came to the Lake Forest-based mega church at the invitation of pastor Rick Warren to participate in "Peace in a Globalized Economy," the church's 7th Civil Forum.

Warren's plan seeks to mobilize millions of Christians around the world to "Promote" reconciliation, "Equip" servant leaders, "Assist" the poor, "Care" for the sick and "Educate" the next generation. The PEACE plan was established by Warren in 2005 in South Africa as a program of local and international missionary.

Blair, who founded the Tony Blair Faith Foundation which aims to promote respect and understanding between major religions, spoke about faith and the importance of it as globalization continues.

"I believe the most important issue for the long term is centered on the issue of faith," Blair said. "I'd like to see a situation where people of different faiths can reach out and understand about someone's faith that is different than their own. In this world, faith is part of the future and of progress – not a distant relic of the past."

Blair drew multiple standing ovations when he spoke about his support of America during the 9/11 attacks.

"In the face of evil bystanders are no better than perpetrators," Warren said to Blair. "I can say on behalf of America, thank you for your leadership."

"Your armed forces are our armed forces," Blair said.

Warren asked Blair how the 9/11 attacks affected him.

"It showed me what was happening was more profound then I realized," Blair said. "9/11 was not only an attack against America but on a belief system we shared. It was a time of supreme definition for the world. When questions are starkly clear and profound, the duty you have is to follow your convictions."

Warren asked what makes a successful leader.

"Leadership is as the mantle of responsibility floats by, despite fears and self-doubt, despite of what could go wrong, you take the mantle and you put it on," Blair said. "Great leaders are very humble and know their own weaknesses."

Warren asked what globalization meant to Blair.

"It means the bringing of the world together through technology, mass media and communication," Blair said.

Loretta Donaldson, 65, from Hacienda Heights, described Blair as awesome, spectacular and life-changing.

"How he brought people of all nations together is incredible," she said. "He has such humanity and kindness. The way he provided leadership by promoting peace, faith and understanding into one union."

Steve Kuver, from Trabuco Canyon, said the forum brought him joy.

"He is still taking his heart and putting it on the table for anyone to take a stab at it with a smile," Kuver, 38, said. "It seems he's genuinely concerned that the future bickering among countries goes away. He's concerned for future generations and wants to put a halt to evil and allow growth."

"He was just amazing," said Debbie Woodward, 58, of Yorba Linda. "You really felt like he cared about all people and especially those in the Middle East."

Saddleback launched its Civil Forum in 2008. The forums – intended to promote personal responsibility, social civility and spiritual maturity – feature world leaders in science, religion, health, business, education, the arts, entertainment and government, according to the forum's website.

In previous forums, Saddleback and Warren have played host to former President George W. Bush, who spoke about his book, "Decision Points;" then-Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain, who discussed leadership and America's role in the world; and a panel of Holocaust survivors, among others.

"I was really interested to see what a top world leader has to say," Julie Schrock, 30, from Mission Viejo, said. "I want to learn more about his foundation."

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